The Governing Council of KNUST has decided to end a long-standing practice of allowing faculty members to elect their own Deans and Pro-Vice-Chancellors. Instead, these positions will now be appointed. This change has sparked concern among staff unions, including UTAG, GAUA, and TEWU-TUC, who have petitioned against the decision. The unions represent the staff whose participation in the governance of the University is now being removed.
The decision has been met with resistance from various stakeholders, who argue that it undermines the democratic principles of academic governance. For generations, academics and senior administrators have had a say in choosing their academic leaders. The system may have had weaknesses, but it has also produced leaders who enjoyed the confidence of the academic community. Examples of such leaders include Professors Rita Dickson, Otoo Ellis, Adarkwa, and Odai.
The move has been criticized for being undemocratic, especially at a time when Ghana is promoting participatory democracy. The 2018 experience at KNUST, where a disagreement escalated into a major institutional crisis, leading to disruption, destruction of property, and closure of the University, is still fresh in the minds of stakeholders. There are concerns that history may repeat itself if the dispute is not resolved through dialogue and consultation.
According to Prof. K.K Abavare, President of UTAG-KNUST, the decision to appoint Deans and Pro-Vice-Chancellors is a transfer of power from the academic community to the centre. He argues that if there are problems with the elections, they should be fixed, and the rules tightened, rather than abolishing participation altogether. The unions are urging the Governing Council to pause and engage them in serious dialogue to avoid another avoidable confrontation.
The decision has implications for the University's governance and its reputation. KNUST has only recently restored its academic calendar after considerable disruption. Another confrontation could affect students, lecturers, researchers, and ultimately the University's reputation. Stakeholders are calling for dialogue, consultation, and statesmanship to resolve the dispute.
The views of the University's management on the matter are yet to be fully understood. However, the Management has indicated that statutes review is still ongoing. Whatever the outcome, it is clear that the University needs to find a solution that balances the needs of all stakeholders. The last thing the University needs is another crisis that could undermine its academic calendar and reputation.
The situation at KNUST highlights the challenges of balancing governance and academic freedom in Ghana's universities. While the Governing Council has the authority to make decisions, it is essential to consider the concerns of all stakeholders and find a solution that promotes dialogue, consultation, and cooperation. Ultimately, the goal should be to find a solution that benefits the University and its stakeholders.
Key points
- The Governing Council's decision to appoint Deans and Pro-Vice-Chancellors has sparked resistance from staff unions and stakeholders.
- The move has been criticized for being undemocratic and may undermine the University's governance and reputation.
- Stakeholders are calling for dialogue and consultation to resolve the dispute and avoid another confrontation.
